Respiratory Information for patients and healthcare professionals

Inhaler technique videos and checklist

When diagnosed with a respiratory condition, an inhaler may be prescribed. The information in this section will help correct use of inhalers. Inhalers could be a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) or Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI).

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be controlled well in most people most of the time, although some people may have more persistent problems.

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease.

People with COPD have difficulties breathing, primarily due to the narrowing of their airways, this is called airflow obstruction. Typical symptoms of COPD include increasing breathlessness when active, a persistent cough with phlegm and frequent chest infections.

What is sleep apnoea?

There are two types’ obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA); Apnoea and Hypopnoea. Apnoea is where the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax during sleep and closes completely, when this happens the sleeper will stop breathing temporarily. Hypopnoea is when the throat is only partial blocked.

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About Us

NHS NEW Devon CCG - Northern, Eastern and Western Devon CCG is one of the largest in the country with a registered population of 882,800 served by 116 member practices. It is organised on a three locality basis, ensuring the CCG will be responsive to the needs of local people whilst benefitting from economies of scale where things only need to be done once. Through our vision, mission and core strategies we will place patients and public at the heart of commissioning. We have enshrined this in our constitution and in our organisational design principles.